19 delicious and simple meals that don’t need hours in the kitchen

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After a long day, the last thing anyone wants to do is spend hours cooking. Luckily, there are meals that are both delicious and simple to make. These 19 meals don’t require a lot of time in the kitchen, so you can enjoy great food without the fuss. Cooking can be easy, and these recipes are here to help.

Image shows a Bite of tomato lime chicken on a fork with rice and the rest of the bowl in the background.
Tomato lime chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork

Image shows an overhead shot of Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork on a blue plate served with rice.
Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Slow cooker garlic roast pork is a simple dish that cooks itself while you’re busy. Just set it up in the morning and come home to tender meat infused with garlic. This easy dinner is perfect for anyone who wants a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork

Shortcut Chicken Salad

Image shows a Canned Chicken Salad sandwich on a wooden table.
Shortcut Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Shortcut chicken salad offers a quick and refreshing meal that requires no cooking at all. Made with canned chicken, this salad is a great option for those who want something easy and tasty. Pair it with greens or serve it in a sandwich for a satisfying lunch that won’t take much time to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad

Honey Habanero Tacos

Image shows three honey habanero tacos with corn shells sitting on a wooden board.
Honey Habanero Tacos. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Honey habanero tacos bring a delicious twist to a familiar favorite. They are easy to prepare and packed with flavor, making taco night something special without much effort. This dish is great for anyone looking for a tasty meal that won’t keep them in the kitchen for too long.
Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos

Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Image shows a closeup view of tuna and tomato pasta in a white patterned bowl.
Tuna and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tuna and tomato pasta is a straightforward recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It comes together in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal choice for anyone wanting a nutritious dinner quickly. Kids can even help with this easy dish, adding fun to mealtime without the hassle of long cooking times.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Tomato Soup

Overhead image of a bowl of tomato soup with parmesan grated into it.
Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Instant Pot tomato soup is a classic comfort food that can be ready in no time. With its smooth texture and rich flavor, this dish is perfect for those who want something hearty without extensive cooking. It makes for a simple and satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare and ideal for a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Soup

Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken

Image shows a Bite of tomato lime chicken on a fork with rice and the rest of the bowl in the background.
Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Slow cooker tomato lime chicken is a flavorful dish that requires little effort. Juicy chicken simmers with tangy tomatoes and lime, creating a meal that pairs well with any side. This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants an easy dinner that’s both delicious and quick to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken

Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa

Image shows an overhead shot of Spinach Parmesan Quinoa in a blue bowl with a sprinkle of cheese on top.
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Spinach and parmesan quinoa is a nutritious and tasty meal that’s easy to make. Full of protein and flavor, this dish is ideal for anyone looking for a quick vegetarian dinner option. It offers a filling meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen, making it a great choice for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa

Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Burger

Bacon cheddar stuffed burger cut in half and on a white plate.
Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Burger. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

A bacon cheddar stuffed burger is an easy way to enjoy a satisfying meal. Juicy beef patties are filled with melted cheese and crispy bacon, making it a flavor-packed option that comes together quickly. This burger is perfect for anyone who wants a delicious dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Burger

Kefta Kebabs

Image shows kefta kebabs stacked on a white tray.
Kefta Kebabs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Kefta kebabs are a flavorful option that stands out from standard burgers. They are easy to prepare and offer a tasty alternative that everyone will enjoy. This dish is great for those who want a satisfying meal without a lot of effort, making dinner simpler and more enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs

French Onion Soup

Image shows a Spoon pulling cheese from a bowl of French onion soup in a blue ramekin.
French Onion Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Instant Pot French onion soup is a warm and savory dish that can be made effortlessly. With caramelized onions, flavorful broth, and melted cheese, it’s a comforting meal that’s easy to whip up. This recipe is perfect for anyone wanting a delicious dinner without spending much time cooking.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup

Semi-homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Image shows baked cheesy chicken enchiladas in a blue Pyrex casserole.
Semi-homemade Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These chicken enchiladas are a simple way to transform a busy weeknight dinner. Using rotisserie chicken makes it quick to prepare and still comforting to eat. This recipe is perfect for families who want something delicious without a lot of work, helping to ease mealtime stress.
Get the Recipe: Semi-homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Crock Pot Italian Pot Roast Recipe

A plate of sliced roast meat topped with gravy, sautéed onions, and a few diced tomatoes, accompanied by a serving of mashed potatoes.
Crock Pot Italian Pot Roast Recipe. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This crock pot Italian pot roast is a hands-off meal that cooks to tender perfection. Just throw everything in the slow cooker before starting your day, and it will be ready by dinnertime. This recipe is perfect for anyone wanting a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Italian Pot Roast Recipe

Poached Orange Salmon

Image shows a spoon drizzing orange sauce over a salmon filet in a blue dish.
Poached Orange Salmon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Poached orange salmon is a quick and healthy dinner option that’s simple to prepare. This recipe uses straightforward ingredients to create a delicious meal in no time. It’s a perfect choice for those looking for something light and tasty without complicated cooking steps.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon

Caprese Panini

Image shows a sliced caprese panini on a wooden board with the melted cheese oozing out.
Caprese Panini. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

A caprese panini combines fresh ingredients and melted cheese in a simple sandwich. This quick meal is a great option for anyone wanting something that tastes fancy but doesn’t require much cooking. It proves that easy meals can be both impressive and satisfying without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Panini

Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Image shows a closeup of a spoon holding some Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole with the full skillet behind it.
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Cheesy beef and rice casserole is a hearty one-pot dish that brings familiar flavors together. It’s quick to prepare and loaded with melted cheese, making it a satisfying choice for those wanting a comforting dinner without spending a lot of time cooking. This dish shows that simple can be delicious and filling.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Chicken and Pea Risotto

Image shows Chicken and pea risotto on a spoon with more in a green bowl behind it.
Chicken and Pea Risotto. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Chicken and pea risotto is a creamy dish that skips the hard work thanks to rotisserie chicken. It’s an easy recipe that still delivers the comfort of traditional risotto. This meal is great for anyone who wants a tasty dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Pea Risotto

Slow Cooker Thai Pork

Image shows Slow Cooker Thai Pork on a bed of rice on a white plate with sliced carrots and green onion on top of it.
Slow Cooker Thai Pork. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Slow cooker Thai pork is a flavorful dish that lets the slow cooker do all the work. Tender meat infused with delightful spices creates a meal that’s easy to prepare. It’s a great dinner choice for anyone who wants something delicious without spending hours cooking, making weeknight meals a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Thai Pork

Kung Pao Chicken Salad

Image shows a closeup of Kung Pao Chicken Salad in a white bowl.
Kung Pao Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Kung Pao chicken salad offers a vibrant and zesty meal that’s full of bold flavors. Packed with crunchy veggies and a tangy dressing, it’s a refreshing choice that doesn’t require much cooking. This dish is perfect for anyone looking for a satisfying meal that can be ready quickly.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken Salad

Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

Image shows an overhead shot of an open face Pesto and Sundried Tomato Tuna Salad sandwich.
Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Pesto tuna salad with sundried tomatoes is a tasty twist on a classic dish. This easy recipe combines flavor and convenience, making it a great option for anyone wanting a quick and delicious dinner. It proves that meals can be both affordable and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

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